Sahasranama position 831 of the 1,000 names

Saptadorviraya

सप्तदोर्वीराय

Saptadorvīrāya

What Saptadorviraya means

Saptadorviraya is name 831 in the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the 1,000-name devotional text to Kalabhairava. Salutations To The one who is the great hero with seven mighty arms.

Also spelled

  • Saptadorvira
  • Source transliteration: SAPTADORVIIRAAYA

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: Salutations To The one who is the great hero with seven mighty arms.

Elaboration

The name Saptadorviiraaya is a compound of Saptadoḥ, Viira, and Āya.

Saptadoḥ: This refers to 'saptá' (seven) and 'doḥ' (arm, hand, limb). Therefore, 'Saptadoḥ' means 'one with seven arms'. The number seven often carries significant symbolic weight in Hindu cosmology and spirituality, representing completeness, cosmic order, and sacred cycles.

Viira: This term signifies a 'hero', 'valiant warrior', 'brave one', or 'champion'. In a spiritual context, it denotes supreme courage, power, and the ability to conquer obstacles.

The Hero with Seven Arms (Symbolism of Seven) This name invokes an image of a powerful, multi-armed deity, a common motif in Hindu iconography used to symbolize omnipotence and the ability to perform multiple actions simultaneously. The seven arms specifically suggest manifold capabilities and a comprehensive control over various aspects of existence or cosmic functions.

In the context of Bhairava, the seven arms can symbolize: 1. Control over the Seven Upper Worlds (Sapta Lokas) or Seven Lower Worlds (Sapta Patalas): Indicating his sovereignty over the entire cosmos. 2. Mastery over Time and Space: Seven arms might represent his dominion over the seven fundamental divisions of time or cosmic planes. 3. Seven Chakras: As a master of spiritual energy, the seven arms could symbolize his ability to activate and control the seven principal energy centers within the human body, leading to spiritual awakening. 4. Seven Types of Energy or Powers: Representing his command over various divine energies or manifestations of power, such as creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration, revelation, grace, and knowledge.

Supreme Power and Action As 'Viira' (hero), Bhairava in this form embodies supreme valor and the capacity to overcome any adversity. The seven arms symbolize not just power, but also his active engagement in the cosmic drama, performing various functions simultaneously and effectively. It suggests a fearsome and highly capable protector who can wield multiple weapons or instruments of divine will without effort, always triumphant in his cosmic battles against ignorance and evil.

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Text and sources

The name list follows the Kalabhairava Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

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